I hate the hand that comes out of a car and just drops litter in the street. I hate that! For some reason, it just fills me with fury! It’s just utter laziness, lack of interest in other people, lack of interest in the planet, in the hedgehog who might eat the plastic bag, it’s a lack of concern.
– Joanna Lumley, British actress
Two recent incidents of littering in our city have prompted me to ponder the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at maintaining Kuching as a clean tourist destination. These incidents, though seemingly small, reflect a larger issue that threatens the cleanliness and appeal of our beloved city.
The first incident occurred in a Batu Kawa housing estate which I am staying in, where the actions of a Mercedes Benz driver and his passengers left me appalled. As the driver carelessly discarded an empty cigarette packet onto the road, a back seat passenger, an elderly woman no less, followed suit by dropping a tissue and food wrapping.
It was a disgusting sight, witnessing grown adults display such blatant disregard for civic responsibility. In a spur of frustration, I honked at the driver, hoping to draw attention to their thoughtless actions.
The second incident took place in MetroCity Square in Matang, where a young man callously spat out chewing gum onto the sidewalk. Regrettably, I found myself a victim of his negligence as I unknowingly stepped onto the discarded gum, requiring a cumbersome effort to remove it.
These incidents are not isolated occurrences; they represent a common issue of littering within Kuching City. It is important for us, as a community, to undergo a drastic shift in mindset if we are to preserve the cleanliness and safety of our city for both residents and visitors alike.
The responsibility for environmental upkeep does not solely rest on the shoulders of the authorities; it is a shared duty that each of us must uphold.
Federal Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming recently reiterated the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, stressing that the onus is on all of us to uphold civic values and ensure the cleanliness of our surroundings.
Nga’s call for action is a reminder that we cannot rely solely on municipal workers to rectify the consequences of our own negligence.
The public should be considerate and realise that municipal workers have better things to do than to clean up littered places. Treat public places as if it’s your own backyard or compound. Would you litter your house compound? Think!
Nga has a piece of advice for litterbugs like the driver and passengers of the Mercedes Benz I mentioned earlier: “If you want to eat in the car, place the packets in the car first. When you arrive at your village or hometown, then take it out and throw it into the bin. Don’t throw it on the road and expect council employees to pick it up.”
Perhaps it is time for our local authorities to impose stricter penalties on litterbugs. Drawing inspiration from jurisdictions like the south-eastern US state of North Carolina, where fines and community service are imposed for littering violations, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, who also takes charge of local government, should consider adopting similar measures to deter would-be offenders.
For example, under North Carolina’s anti-littering law, individuals can be fined and face community service for intentionally and unintentionally littering. Intentional littering is punishable by a fine of $250 (RM1,186) to $1,000 (RM4,745) and up to 24 hours of community service.
Though it might sound harsh, the introduction of community service and the wearing of a placard denoting the offence could serve as effective deterrents, stressing the importance of personal accountability.
As individuals, we can contribute to the cleanliness of our city by adopting simple yet impactful measures. Keeping a litter bag in our vehicles and ensuring proper disposal of trash upon reaching our destinations are small steps that collectively make a significant difference.
Moreover, maintaining our own yards and ensuring that drains are free of debris can prevent litter from accumulating in our neighbourhoods.
Education also plays a crucial role in combating littering behaviour. Instilling values of environmental stewardship in our children ensures that future generations understand the importance of proper waste disposal and the consequences of littering.
The detrimental effects of littering extend far beyond mere aesthetic displeasure. According to the city of Raleigh website, litter clean-up costs in the United States alone exceed $11.5 billion (about RM52.2 billion) annually.
Moreover, litter can lead to soil, water and air pollution, posing significant environmental hazards. Wildlife is particularly vulnerable, with millions of animals suffering injury or death each year due to ingesting or becoming entangled in litter.
Plastics, in particular, pose a threat, as they do not readily decompose and can persist in the environment for centuries. When plastic items find their way into waterways, they not only endanger marine life but also contribute to a global pollution crisis.
Let’s all remember that cleanliness of our city requires collective effort and individual accountability. By refraining from littering, adopting responsible waste disposal habits – and educating future generations – we can ensure that Kuching remains a clean, vibrant and welcoming destination for all.
Think clean and act responsibly. We all can make a meaningful difference.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
